Ottawa – Division 1 Preview

The FPF Ottawa season kicks off Sunday, Janury 4th. This Year the ten teams will be split into two divisions. Division 1, the more competitive of the two groups will feature six teams. Of the half dozen squads, four are returning teams from the 2008 season. The remaining two are new to FlagPlus.

Last year’s champions, Touch This, have changed their name to the Tailgators, the name they have used elsewhere before last year’s inaugural FPF season in Ottawa. The Tailgators, who went a perfect 10-0 last season before capturing the title, are expected to return with a similar roster featuring star QB Craig Matthews and his experienced supporting cast. The Sharks, who surprised another returning team, the Barracudas in the conference finals last season before losing in the championship game are back as well. Led by QB Sean Carmody and two-way threat Jeff Oickle, the Sharks will look to continue to adapt to the flag game and use their athletisism to take the next step in ’09.

The already mentioned Barracudas, led by All-Star QB Tom Patrick, look to make up for their late season loss to the Sharks. Their excellent blend of youth and experience should make them a threat to overtake the Tailgators as class of the league.

The last returning team from last year to play in this season’s top division is the Entourage. Captained by two-way star Arden Weiss, the Entourage had an up and down season last Winter and look to improve in 2009 with a season already under their belts.

To round out the six teams are the Heavy Hittas and Atlanta Falcons. These two new teams both have their fair share of flag football experience and hope to make noise in a competitve D1.